Ravens might be on third option at left guard, and it's not a good one

Mike PrestonThe Baltimore Sun

When I keep hearing that second-year player Jah Reid might be getting some playing time at left guard, there is cause for concern. I knew he was a project when the Ravens drafted him in the third round out of Central Florida, but I haven't seen anything that would warrant him getting playing time.

He has spent more time in the training room for rehab than on the practice and playing fields. I'm concerned. To be even having this conversation means the Ravens are in deep trouble at left guard.

Veteran Bobbie Williams, a really high-character person, struggled mightily against the Houston Texans nearly two weeks ago, and twice whiffed on blocks that led to sacks. Former starting left guard Ramon Harewood sulked after getting benched for Williams, and the Ravens have to get his head on straight before he goes back into the starting lineup. So now, it's Reid's turn.

Oh boy.

The best solution would be to insert veteran Bryant McKinnie back at left tackle and that would create a domino effect on the offensive line. The Ravens could then move Michael Oher from left tackle back to the right side and move rookie right tackle Kelechi Osemele from right tackle to left guard. But there are some still doubts about McKinnie's character and work ethic.

The latest character caper came this week after McKinnie was reportedly being sued for a $375,000 debt incurred in a Miami strip club. He denied the lawsuit. McKinnie has had a troubled past and has done nothing to lift that cloud which has surrounded him in Baltimore the past two seasons. He can't seem to escape Coach John Harbaugh's doghouse.

At this point, it appears Harewood, who struggled at right tackle the past two seasons, is the best left guard. He is young, athletic and strong, and the Ravens need to get offensive line coach Andy Moeller to get more out of him.